Renault Trafic auto finally arrives
And bigger 2.0-litre turbo-diesel also joins French mid-size van rangeRenault has improved its competitiveness in the mid-size delivery van segment by adding a long-awaited automatic transmission and more powerful new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine as part of an update to the Renault Trafic.
The auto fills a big hole in the Trafic line-up, as many of its direct competitors already offer that choice .
But you’ll have to pay for it, with the cheapest Trafic dual-clutch auto and 2.0-litre combination kicking off at $43,490 plus on-road costs.
On sale since 2015, Renault’s latest X82 Trafic has been offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine in single and twin-turbo specifications mated only with a six-speed manual transmission.
The 85kW/300Nm single-turbo 1.6 and the 103kW/350Nm twin-turbo continue on with the manual, but the entry-level Trader model and its 66kW/260Nm single-turbo engine have been dropped.
The 125kW/380Nm Euro 6 emissions-compliant 2.0-litre engine mates exclusively with the EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) auto based on the unit in the Megane RS hot hatch. Renault claims average fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km.
In the LWB version the 2.0-litre/auto combo offers a payload of 1250kg and a 1630kg braked towing capacity. The manual Trafic offers up to 1274kg and 2.0-tonne towing.
The range now kicks off with the Trafic Pro 85kW manual in short-wheelbase for $36,490. The long-wheelbase adds $2000.
The line-up then progresses to the 103kW manual Premium in SWB and LWB. The Premium 125kW auto in SWB and LWB are next up the ladder, with the $52,490 Trafic LWB 125kW auto taking the flagship position.
The Pro comes with a tailgate while the rest of the range comes with barndoors. Full pricing is at the bottom of this story.
The update is given away externally by signature C-shaped daytime running lights, a more prominent Renault badge in the grille and automatic LED headlights, which are now standard in Australia.
Inside, there is a restyled dashboard and harder-wearing seat surfaces.
Upgraded standard equipment includes better loadspace lighting using LED bulbs and a new three-button folding key or a Renault hands-free card with single-door opening option.
For Premium and Crew Lifestyle versions, there’s now an infotainment and connectivity system with new single-DIN stereo and more efficient microphone.
A reversing camera is now standard but there is no sign of autonomous emergency braking, a key safety feature now standard on rivals such as the Toyota HiAce and Peugeot Expert.
All Renault Trafic vans come with a three-year/unlimited-km factory warranty, while a five-year/200,000km is optionally available.
Servicing intervals remain at up to 30,000km or annually (whichever comes first), with capped-price servicing offered from $549 for each of the first three scheduled visits to the dealership.
Renault also provides roadside assistance for up to four years.
How much does the 2020 Renault Trafic cost?
SWB Pro 85kW MT Diesel -- $36,490
LWB Pro 85kW MT Diesel -- $38,490
SWB Premium 103kW MT Diesel -- $39,490
LWB Premium 103kW MT Diesel -- $41,490
SWB Premium 125kW EDC Diesel -- $43,490
LWB Premium 125kW EDC Diesel -- $45,490
LWB Crew Lifestyle 125kW EDC Diesel -- $52,490
* Prices exclude on-road costs
2019 Carsales Best Commercial Van
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
